‘Parents must set aside all acrimony for their children’
Ranvir Shorey speaks about his passions and setting aside parental differences with ex-wife Konkona Sen for their son’s sake
Between Konkona and me, we’re not rigid about which parent Haroon is with. We keep it fluid. He can go and come from one house to the other. We live close to each other, so it’s very easy for him to visit both of us.
Recently, ahead of the World Environment Day on 5 June, Ranvir and nine-year-old Haroon Shorey — his son with former wife Konkona Sen — joined in planting a Sita Ashoka (Saraca asoca tree) in support of the ‘Adopt a Fallen Tree Pit’ campaign undertaken by the Make Earth Green Again (MEGA) Foundation and the Municipal Staff of K-West Ward in Mumbai.
Besides teaching Haroon right values, the muchacclaimed actor and former VJ has been teaching their boy the importance of conserving the planet.
In a candid, exclusive chat with Deccan Chronicle, Ranvir opens up on his relationship with Haroon and how he loves it that both his parents are neighbours and share an amicable relationship.
Excerpts from the interview
Q Was ‘A Fallen Tree Pit’ Campaign the first time Haroon attended an event with you?
Haroon has attended a couple of events with me already, but this one was special because he’s studying about the importance of conserving nature, trees and wildlife in his school. And I believe these events will reinforce those lessons from school.
Q Did your love for green earth start from your childhood back at your hometown in Jalandhar?
My passion for green earth probably had something to do with the fact that throughout my school years, we spent our almost-two-month-long summer holiday at our farm. It was a full-fledged farm, which grew wheat, rice, potato and carrot.
Q Some people feel that by planting more trees, we can reduce the shortage of oxygen we are facing now. Do you think so too? (Laughs) This is a fallacy. The uneducated idea about the current medical oxygen has nothing to do with trees although planting trees is important for other reasons, such as safeguarding entire ecosystems including plants, trees, animals or birds — which are all important to human life. We should do our best to conserve them.
Q Do you and Haroon share any gardening or farming interests?
We don’t do gardening but we have a lot of plants around the house. We take care of them and try to remain connected to nature in whatever little ways possible.
Q You and Konkona seem to be setting a great example by the way you take care of your son. Do you have any tips for parents not living under the same roof?
I think parents need to set aside all acrimony and differences for their children. That’s the only way you can look after their well-being. As grownups, you must put all your negative feelings for each other in the closet, and not let those affect the child in any way.
We should also try our best to maintain seamlessness in transferring parental responsibilities. Between Konkona and me, we’re not rigid about which parent he is with. We keep it fluid. He can go and come from one house to the other. We live close to each other, so it’s very easy for him to visit both of us. Although we couldn’t give him one home we have managed to give him one neighbourhood.
Q I remember you baby-sat Haroon when he was a kid. He is growing up now. Does he help you with household chores?
Oh yes, he is my little helper, he helps me set up and clear the dining table, offers me a glass of water, keeps utensils in their place, etc. all of which are chores inculcated as habits. Q Has Haroon inherited your love for books and acting? Well not acting but definitely reading. He is quite fond of reading and we encourage him as much as we can. He’s now started off with Harry Potter and reads a few other books.